Wellness

All health and wellness tips and advice from ONYC

ONYC Health & Wellness Guide

7 Foods that can Hurt your Health during Christmas Holiday

Parties here and there are being held to celebrate the Holidays and while we at ONYC Hair also enjoy celebrating over food and drinks, we want to send a gentle reminder for everyone to exercise caution and control in indulging in the Christmas fare. If you can’t resist the sumptuous menu this holiday, make sure you practice portion control especially if you intend to treat yourself to these 7 rich, fattening and indulgent Christmas foods. ‘This is the season to be jolly but we want your happiness to extend.

1. Breads, Bagels, Pasta, White rice, Doughnuts and other Carb-dense foods.Breads, bagels, pasta, white rice, doughnuts and other carb-dense foods.

You know about the good and the bad carbohydrates, right? Ensure that your gut flora remains balanced by moderating your intake of food with high ratio of carbs as compared to their weight.

2. Packaged and processed food.
Lakota Nation in Pine Ridge

Christmas is a time for giving so why not give the gift of time and skip the processed food. Cook for your family, friends and loved ones and avoid packaged foods which are rich in trans-fats.

3.  Too much Christmas ham.

Drenched in salt and glazed with sugar,

Drenched in salt and glazed with sugar, this Christmas food can increase your acidity if you eat too much of it.

4. Sugar-loaded candy canes.

Sugar-loaded candy canes.

The striped sweets are truly tempting but this sugar stick can aggravate acidity, double your blood sugar level and cause plaques and dental carries.

5. High-calorie eggnogs are flavorful and rich and creamy.

High-calorie eggnogs are flavorful and rich and creamy.

But a glass contains 150 grams of cholesterol and 400 calories so while it can add some holiday cheer, it can also add a few extra pounds of post-holiday weight. Pair your eggnog with a Christmas pudding and have it every night of December and you’re sure to spoil your health.

6. Alcohol.

alcohol1

The sparkling cheer of the holidays can be celebrated with just a shot or two.You don’t need to finish a dozen beer cans or use up the entire collection in your cellar. You don’t want to be intoxicated that you’d miss all the Christmas Eve fun.

7. Chocolate gift boxes.

Chocolate gift boxes.

We know you’ll receive lots of it and we know you’re excited to indulge but try to control the urge to finish them all in one sitting. They’re sweet and so delectable but they are also loaded with calories. Take sweets in moderation so you can still try a portion of everything on the Christmas menu.

More than hair care tips and enumerating what you need to know about hair extensions, ONYC guide also shares tips and tricks to help you live a healthy lifestyle. After all, the food you eat affects the overall functioning of your body which means it also affects the health of your skin, nails and hair. You can still enjoy the holidays without causing harm to your health. Just be cautious and never forget to have a balanced meal. We hope that this ONYC guide can help you have a joyful, scrumptuous yet healthy Christmas celebration.

Crank It Up – Inside Out!

While we are here to offer you the finest and highest quality hair product , with a smile – thank you so much for your loyalty  – we are also looking out for your entire well being. Hence today we would like to talk more about Healthy Eating. …Instinctively enough Healthy Eating relates right back to your hair….

Here goes…

You have probably heard about a few key foods which help to boost metabolism however there are others, which you maybe surprised to learn, also crank the body’s metabolism up. — So we won’t keep you in suspense any longer:

Almonds:

It has long been established that almonds contain vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus (which compliments one’s hair and skin beauty). They also assist with lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. However, what is more revealing is that they  boosts metabolism. Researchers at Purdue University have concluded that tree nuts increase your metabolic rate which results in greater weight loss when added to the diet. Still be cautious that tree nuts are consumed in moderate amounts as they are also high in calories. The customary recommendation is a handful a day. Furthermore, it is more advantageous for you to reach for the dry-roasted almonds which contain 169 calories (a lower count than the regular salted and roasted). Additionally, almonds contain 3g of fiber. This will work to fill you up and is a good addition to breakfast to keep you satisfactorily full as you start the day. As an additional step, dietary experts have recommended replacing meat – once a day – either neatly blended with your pasta or incorporated in a large salad.

 

 

Avocados:

It’s true what you’ve heard…the avocado is high in fat and calories, BUT it is also loaded with fiber, minerals and vitamins. Furthermore the bulk of the calories in the avocado come from monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats work to control the metabolic rate and to suppress appetite. This “good fat”  is also reputable for lowering cholesterol.  Risen cholesterol levels can result in the production of hormones that cause the stomach area to store fat.  Therefore, eating avocados can fundamentally decrease belly fat by lowering cholesterol levels and avert the production of the hormone cortisol. However be sure to consume the fruit in moderation to get the most out of its potent ability.

 

 

Beans:

Beans are bursting with nutrients that help boost our metabolism. They are loaded with fiber (to help keep our digestive systems in working order) and are also packed with protein, calcium, potassium and magnesium. So, try to eat 2-3 servings of beans a week. If you are purchasing canned beans, make sure they are organic and low in sodium – although the most beneficial way to eat beans is to buy them dry and soak them overnight.

 

 

Turkey:

Turkey is a great food because it is very good for you, and helps with boosting your metabolism. One small serving of turkey contains hardly any fat, and has a lot of protein. Turkey is a diet necessity. It is a great source of lean complete protein which helps you stay focused, and helps build muscle and helps increase your metabolism. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that the amino acid tryptophan (found in turkey) plays an important role in immune function, and in cancer prevention. As an added bonus, eating turkey also releases “happy hormones” such as serotonin into your blood stream, which actually has been shown to improve your mood.

Oatmeal:

If you’re looking to jump-start your metabolism, begin your morning off with a bowl of oatmeal. This super food is rich in fat soluble fiber, which requires a lot of calories to break down. Eating oatmeal can also help decrease your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Choose the largest oat flakes possible to ensure that you digest your oatmeal at a slow pace, giving you a steady source of fuel for many hours. Steel-cut oats and old-fashioned oatmeal are the best choices to boost your metabolism. Oatmeal made from large oat flakes takes longer to digest, helping you stabilize your bloodsugar levels, prevent cravings and feel energized until your next meal. Avoid instant or minute oatmeal, especially the ones packaged with extra sugar and flavorings.

 

 

Cinnamon:

Just as other spices – such pepper and ginger – Cinnamon can raise your metabolism.  The way it works, however, is that it increases metabolism a small percentage (about 8%) for about 20 minutes after being ingested. Therefore it should not be a substitute for productive exercise or making the necessary dietary changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet and foods which boost your metabolic rate. Although its effectiveness is temporary, consider absorbing cinnamon into your diet where applicable. It will be a valuable assistant.  After all it does have a meaningful effect on insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon helps to steady glucose and insulin levels as well as lower cholesterol toward optimum health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Not, EAT PRETTY?!?!

It is never too early, nor is it too to begin to incorporate healthy practices into our daily lives. Especially when these healthy practices leads to a more beautiful you!….Yep, you read that right!

There is data and experience to support that there are foods that we can eat to cause us to become the best versions of ourselves…Or just down right Pretty!

Dietitian and Wellness manager, Kristin Kirkpatrick has informed about 5 foods – to be exact – which can cause us to be more attractive….So since you can’t wait to hear what they, let’s get right to it:

 

Papaya

It is widely advertised these days to acquire skin care products with vitamin C to protect against wrinkles and other unwanted skin problems. However it is even more beneficial to get a sizable amount Vitamin C internally. Based on reputable studies published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition it has been found that a higher dietary intake of Vitamin C is  associated with a decreased likelihood of a wrinkled appearance.
However, think bigger than inhaling a morning glass of orange juice. Reach for excellent sources of Vitamin C such as papaya, as well as bell peppers, brussel sprouts, broccoli.

Recipe  Idea:

Consider combining, the items mentioned above, with a salad or throwing them into a stir fry for a beautiful meal or  or buying them frozen to make tropical smoothies.

 

 

Oysters

Oysters contain an astounding mineral called zinc. Zinc is critical to healing wounds as well as to development and growth. However it is also integral in amplifying collagen production and thereby revealing great skin. Furthermore, it has been scientifically discovered that zinc may help prevent acne since it works to control excess oils on the skin.

Recipe  Idea:

Consider putting Oysters on the barbeque! During those warm summer months, grill oysters for an appetizing delight.

 

 

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is appetizing and works well with almost any recipe. It contains a high level of biotin which makes it beneficial to the hair as well as the skin. It also possesses large amounts of b-complex vitamins which is associated with advantageous beauty properties

The leafy vegetable is also high in vitamins A, K and C. These are the vitamins correlated to overall anti-aging.

 

 

Soybeans

To many, it is an established fact that soybeans assist in lowering the risk for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and reducing the waist line,  but soybeans also dispense luminous and brilliant skin. It is the omega 3s contained in the beans which combat inflammation in the body and help skin look younger and supple.

Recipe  Idea:

Snacks such as edamame, walnuts, flax seed and, now, even soybeans possess the ample omega 3 nutrition for healthy skin. Fish is not the sole source of this miraculous nutrient. A quick saves time and achieves great beauty.

 

 

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are rich in a mineral named Selenium. Although this mineral is fantastic for good health and beautiful skin, it should not be consumed in large quantities at any point. The reason for that is, only small amounts of Selenium are necessary to reap the great reward. Overdosing, or ingesting a large quantity can actually disintegrate your beauty. It can lead to blotchy fingernail beds, hair loss….Yes! Gulp!….or discoloration of skin.

Recipe  Idea:

Just try a couple, no more than hand full, of Brazil nuts. One serving of salmon also works to produce the “beauty-results”.

 

 

 

Dilemma?…. Hair Or Fitness? Why Not, Both!

As the New Year approaches we often find ourselves making a lists of objectives to be accomplished. One thing that tends to pop-up on that list is our health, wellness and fitness plans.

Surprisingly enough, it has been reported that a respectable percentage of women today have chosen to forego exercise for the sake of their hair-do. ….Yep, that’s right!

Specifically, research informs that 2 out of 5 African American women neglect cardiovascular activity as a result of trepidation over their hair.

At this time, it is imperative to be mindful about such a dilemma with the increasing number of obesity, diabetes, hypertension etc within the community.

This research came about due to some introspection by Dr. Amy McMichael – dermatologist at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She asked herself; “As an African-American woman, I have that problem, and my friends have that problem. So I wondered if my patients had that problem.”

Dr. McMichael and her colleagues launched an investigation and divulged their findings in the Archives of Dermatology over the past week. The researchers surveyed 103 African-American women who visited the Wake Forest University in October 2007. They discovered that the majority of women were exercising below the recommended 150 minutes a week, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The women voiced that hair care can be strenuous and costly, which is a hindrance to working-out on a consistent basis.

So what is the method, to remedy this, in order to achieve healthy bodies together with fantastic hair? We’re glad that you asked. Below are some tips to assist with taking great care of our hair while doing the same for our bodies….

To ensure that attending to your hair is not a burden following exercise, it is helpful to create a Smooth & Speedy Regiment. In the same time that it takes for a shower after a work-out, one can clean the hair quickly but efficiently. It is also important to consider that, the scalp behaves like the skin on the remainder of our body. Just as the skin is itchy and dry once we’ve worked out and we are required to properly remove make-up at the end of each day for the healthiest skin possible, in the same way our scalp can remain clogged and age our hair if we do not look after it well following heavy fitness activity. Therefore since we are not neglecting to clean our bodies scrupulously, let’s not forget to take proper care of our scalp.

Ok…Now to perform a Smooth & Speedy Regiment note that it will be required to wash your hair after activity that causes you to sweat. Often times that is following an awesome Zumba or Spinning class session or even Body Sculpting class. However for those days where the focus is on strength training, or perhaps basic yoga, and there is little or no perspiration, take the day off. Additionally, ensure that you use a clarifying shampoo and execute one application. Since your hair-washing-days will be increased, multiple washes are not necessary.

As a part of the recommended Smooth & Speedy Regiment consider Part 1 – Hair-Washing:

First: Rinse your hair at the same time you rinse your body, in the shower

Second: As you lather your body, apply a clarifying shampoo. (Note: An acid-balanced shampoo is safe on your hair, scalp, and body, and it saves time).

Third: Rinse your hair and body.

Fourth: Apply a conditioner, and let it sit while lathering your body a 2nd time or perhaps shaving your legs. For long hair use about a quarter sized amount, medium length hair use a nickel sized amount and for short hair use no more than a dime sized amount.

Fifth: Rinse your hair as you rinse your body.

You are now clean and conditioned from head to toe.

As you are in the mode of caring for your hair as you care for your body, you will probably not be able to maintain a blown out or elaborate style during this time of cardio activity. However, there are some fabulous and easy styles that can be accomplished to retain the best-of-both-worlds.

Consider Smooth & Speedy Regiment Part 2 – Hair-Styling:

First: After shampooing the hair blot it with a towel or wrap the towel around your head while drying off.

Second: When dry and ready, remove the towel and apply a leave-in conditioner.

Third: Apply a hair sculptor or smoother to your hairline. If your hair is curly be sure to apply a hair moisturizer prior to the sculptor.

Fourth: Smooth your hair back and gather it into a ponytail.

Fifth: Spray holding or sculpting mist around hairline and wrap it with a satin scarf.

Sixth: If necessary, attach a hair piece such as a bun, fall, or drawstring ponytail.

Now you are ready for the following day or later that evening.

Of course, this is only one option among many for a Smooth and Speedy Regiment with regards to styling. It is all dependent on your hair type and current style. However, there are some key things to remember toward the goal of treating your hair well, as you also treat your body well…

Key Things To Remember:

Ensure that you rinse perspiration out of your hair following any physical activity with a strong water force. Be mindful to use a clarifying shampoo with a pH range between 4.5 and 5.5. Do be weary of conditioning shampoos, in this instance, as they they will cause buildup. Still, do apply the appropriate amount of moisturizer following your shampoo (but don’t over-do it) to off-set the number of hair washes and to maintain healthy hair. We recommend the light but nurturing Demorin Smoothing Serum. Get into a method of a quick and easy routine which works for you!

Finally, to quote Dr. Amy McMichael; “If you don’t have a healthy body then you aren’t going to have any hair to fix,”.

Go forth and be the Best-You-Ever! Happy 2013!

 

 

Beauty Sleep is For Real!

Everyone has heard, from their Grandmother to their Teacher to even their Mom say; “Get your beauty sleep!”, but this isn’t just a saying. Beauty Sleep is a true science. From effects on the brain’s memory, astuteness, weight control…there are numerous reports that inform how important sleep and rest are to our health. Still, it often tends to be the one thing that we minimize in terms of priorities.

One place where the evidence of lack of sleep can be truly obvious is on our skin.  As we go through life rest deprivation shows more and more on our faces, day after day. It is visible through dull-lifeless complexions, dark circles, fine lines and, in more extreme cases, rashes and eczema.

World renowned-board certified dermatologist; Dr. Howard Murad asserts, based on his research, that loss of cellular water may be one reason sleepless nights affect our skin increasingly – as we settle into the habit regularly. “Water retention is key to keeping skin moisturized and supple, which can translate to fewer lines and a smoother complexion.”

Negating well restful evenings also “beats-down” on the immune system. This can lead to skin-related problems, such as rashes. According to Dr. Murad, getting sufficient and regular sleep, is the best thing that anyone can do for their skin. His professional recommendation is an ideal amount of six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, time enough to move through the five phases of sleep.

So of course we wanted to understand these 5 phases of sleep and why it is crucial for one to attain to all of them for the healthiest skin possible. We learned that as the body settles into the 4th and deepest stage of rest – regularly referred to as; Delta Sleep and  precedes REM; the last stage of sleep – growth hormones mature and begin cell and tissue repair. Therefore, limited or restless sleep can cut into this imperative restorative process. In the words of Dr. Harold Lancer, dermatologist to the “Hollywood Stars”, “Intermittent waking sleep is nowhere near as beneficial to skin health.”

Increasingly, experts are looking at Beauty holistically: First sleep, then skin products and skin treatments can work more energetically to provide better results. “You cannot treat the skin as an isolated organ, you treat the whole person,” Murad says. He uses this analogy: “Imagine your window frame needs to be replaced. You can just replace the frame or you can find out what damaged it in the first place, say termites or bad plumbing. Similarly, when the skin looks gray and sallow and you have dark circles around your eyes, you can use cold compresses and makeup as a temporary fix or address the underlying issues, such as sleep deprivation.”

One other great piece of advice that Dr. Murad offers is to do your best to refrain from eating heavy or salty meals that are difficult to digest before bedtime. Also remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Nourish the skin from the inside-out. It is just as important as using a topical moisturizer. Dr. Murad also recommends oral supplements such as Omega-3 to help maintain a healthy hydration level.

And get this! Today, even Beauty Spas are getting involved with assisting the rat-race-affected-individual with more rest toward healthier skin. There are many sleep health programs at Day Spas.

Often times we think that we have time. We believe that we can play catch up later on, for prevention that we can take today. Therefore as the experts have urged us and explained, don’t turn to alternatives to provide results that can be obtained simply by using best practices today. More so, research has proven that over time, lack of sleep is quite obvious to on-lookers….Therefore, Strive to be the Best You!

As you are making Weekend Plans, Remember Sleep does equal Beauty!

 

 

Come Join ONYC Team For The American Cancer Society Walk This Month…

What?: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

When?: Saturday, October 20th, at 10am

Where?: Sylvan Theatre on the National Mall in Washington, DC

As women who take care of ourselves and our appearance, one of the most important things we can give attention to is Our Health.

Join The ONYC® International Team Today!

Registering is as easy as 1, 2, 3….

Step One: Head over to Event Registration. Click here to Sign Up.

Step Two: Sign up with Us by selecting “Join a Team”.

Step Three: Click on “Select Or Type The Name Of The Team You’d Like To Join” where you will be given drop-down menu.

Step Four: Pick “ONYC® International” and head on through to register. Each registration and donation helps our goal.

 

This can be contagious and you can be the source, have an influence and make a remarkable difference in the lives of your Mother…Sister…Aunt…Friend…even Yourself!

Bringing continued awareness and repeated attention to Breast Cancer can only serve to save Our Lives!.

Therefore ONYC® Hair International is asking You…..Yes YOU, to come join our team on Saturday, October 20th for; Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We will be participating in the American Cancer Society Walk which will be held at the Sylvan Theatre on the National Mall in Washington, DC. We have set our goal at $2,000 to help us become a better community in fighting against breast cancer. For each participant walking with us, we will provide you with a T-shirt to show our appreciation. Plus, you will get a chance to meet the CEO of ONYC® Hair and ask her some questions.

The American Cancer Society is doing the most in every community to help people with breast cancer today and striving to find cures to end the disease tomorrow. They are doing this in 3 key ways; Groundbreaking research, comprehensive support and access to mammograms. It is also important to remember that Breast Cancer is “multi-generational”. Although women over 40 have higher incidences of breast cancer, younger women tend to have more aggressive breast cancers and higher mortality rates, therefore, are at a higher risk. They are a largely under-recognized demographic – lacking in targeted education and services.

We look forward to seeing you at the Walk! It may just be one of the most important decisions that you make. It can save a life…it may even be your own.

Thank you for your kind participation!

For many black women, working out or having nice hair is a dilemma.

This is why you should wear a closure…..

To exercise, or to have great-looking hair. For many black women, that is the question.

Sweat and water are the enemies of many a costly, painstakingly achieved black hairstyle. And that has doctors, fitness instructors and even the U.S. surgeon general worried it might be keeping many black women from exercising.

Cecilia Blakey has been a group-exercise instructor for 20 years. She teaches aerobics at the YWCA in St. Paul, Minn.’s Selby-Dale neighborhood, which has a significant black population.

“I’d love to have a class full of black women, but the majority of my following is not,” she said. “Sometimes a few will start, but they don’t hold up long-term, and I’d say 90 percent of it’s the hair.”

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